Release Boatworks
Release Boatworks is a New Jersey-based, privately held designer and builder of semi-custom offshore sportfishing boats (43'–55') serving high-net-worth owners, tournament anglers, and charter operators via proprietary vacuum-infused composite construction, with one hull per month production cadence.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersEgg Harbor Township, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Release Boatworks does
Release Boatworks is a New Jersey-based, privately held designer and builder of semi-custom offshore sportfishing boats serving high-net-worth individual owners, tournament anglers, and select charter operators in the United States and select international destinations. Founded in 2009 and headquartered at 901 Duerer Street, Egg Harbor City, the company produces a controlled one-hull-per-month cadence across models including the 43' Gameboat, 46' Gameboat, 46' Express, 46' Walkaround, 46' Flybridge Walkaround, and 55' Flybridge Walkaround, with an 8–9 month delivery timeline. Each hull is built using a proprietary Vacuum Infused Resin (VIR) closed-molded composite construction process combining vinylester/modified epoxy resin, Airex foam cores, E-glass hybrid fiberglass laminates, and quadraxial woven fiberglass cloth, with foam-encapsulated stringer systems audited by Composite Consulting Group for monolithic structural integration. Designs are produced in Rhinoceros 3D solid modeling and translated to plugs and molds via Mastercam-driven C.R. Onsrud five-axis CNC routing, with naval architect Erwin Gerards serving as architect of record.
The company's revenue model is anchored on direct one-time sale of custom and semi-custom builds at individually negotiated prices (sample brokerage listing shows a 2025 46' Express at $1,950,000), supplemented by transaction fees from the company-operated Release Yacht Sales brokerage handling pre-owned Release and competitor vessels (Viking, Invincible), and affiliate referrals to charter partners operating Release hulls. Go-to-market is sales-led and event-driven: direct consultation with the founder, naval architect, and project managers; an in-house sales director; active presence at Fort Lauderdale and Stuart boat shows; and community-led content marketing through the 'Beyond the Bulkhead' podcast, the 'Notes From the Waterline' blog, YouTube, and tournament circuit involvement. In October 2025, Release Boatworks acquired Florida-based Gamefisherman, adding fully custom and entry-level charter vessels to the portfolio under the same naval architect, and purchased a 47-acre Egg Harbor River property to house 'Release Landing' — a future combined headquarters, service, storage, and haul-out facility — alongside a seven-center certified service network spanning the US East Coast and Gulf.
Release Boatworks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Release Boatworks
- Legal name
- Release Boatworks
- Website
- https://releaseboatworks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Release Boatworks is a New Jersey-based, privately held designer and builder of semi-custom offshore sportfishing boats (43'–55') serving high-net-worth owners, tournament anglers, and charter operators via proprietary vacuum-infused composite construction, with one hull per month production cadence.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Release Boatworks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Custom Sportfishing Yachts
- NAICS
- Ship and Boat Building (3366)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAEAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Recreational Fishing & Sportfishing Boat Manufacturing (IMAJAEAH)
Keywords
Where Release Boatworks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Egg Harbor Township
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Release Boatworks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Custom/Semi-Custom Sportfishing Boat Sales: Primary revenue stream from designing and building custom and semi-custom sportfishing boats. Customers work directly with Release Boatworks' team from initial design consultation through delivery. Builds are started at one per month with 8-9 month timelines. Models include 43' Gameboat, 46' Gameboat, 46' Express, 46' Walkaround, 46' Flybridge Walkaround, 55' Flybridge Walkaround, and 66' Gameboat.
- Release Yacht Sales Brokerage: Company-operated yacht brokerage listing pre-owned boats including Release Boatworks models and other brands (Viking, Invincible). Revenue from brokered transaction fees on yacht sales.
- Charter Partnership Referrals: Company promotes charter fishing partners (LFish in Marathon FL, Double Down in Gloucester MA, Triple Tail Charters in Venice LA) who operate Release Boatworks vessels. While not a direct revenue stream, these partnerships drive brand awareness and reinforce product credibility in the sportfishing community.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | 43' Gameboat — standard build base |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | 46' Express, Gameboat, Walkaround models |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | 55' Flybridge Walkaround — premium model |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Release Boatworks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Release Boatworks designs and builds semi-custom and custom sportfishing boats ranging from 43 to 66 feet, using vacuum-infused composite construction with vinylester resins and Airex foam cores. The company starts approximately one new hull per month with 8-9 month delivery timelines, sells directly to owners through its factory, and operates a brokerage (Release Yacht Sales) for new and pre-owned vessels. In October 2025 it acquired the Gamefisherman brand, adding a portfolio from entry-level charter vessels to fully custom Gold Series yachts.
Product overview
Release Boatworks is a New Jersey-based semi-custom sportfish manufacturer offering a portfolio of custom sportfishing boats ranging from 43 to 55 feet. The product lineup includes the 43' Gameboat (available in Gameboat, Walkaround, Flybridge Walkaround, and Express configurations), the 46' Express, 46' Gameboat (flybridge configuration), 46' Walkaround, and the 55' Flybridge Walkaround. All boats feature vacuum-infused modified epoxy resin composite construction with Airex foam cores. The company acquired the Gamefisherman brand (custom sportfish from entry-level charter to Gold Series) and operates Release Yacht Sales for brokered vessels, a certified service center network, and the Beyond the Bulkhead podcast. Boats are designed by naval architect Erwin Gerards and built with vinyl-ester resins, biaxial/triaxial fiberglass, and foam-encapsulated stringer systems.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Gamefisherman: Custom sportfishing boats, ranging from entry-level charter vessels to Gold Series high-end fully custom vessels. Acquired by Release Boatworks in October 2025.
Products and services
- 43' Gameboat Classic-inspired 43-foot sportfishing boat with modern vacuum-infused composite construction, standard twin Cummins QSB6.7 550-hp diesels, 140 sq ft cockpit, designed for owner-operator tournament and offshore fishing.
- 46' Gameboat 46-foot flybridge gameboat with 140 sq ft cockpit, transom livewell, mezzanine seating with refrigerated boxes, and below-deck accommodations for overnight trips. Designed for speed, efficiency, and serious bluewater fishing.
- 46' Express Express-style 46-foot sportfishing boat with enclosed helm and express cockpit access. Twin diesel power, open cockpit layout for aggressive anglers who want speed with helm shelter, featured in InTheBite editorial coverage.
- 46' Walkaround 46-foot walkaround sportfishing boat providing 360-degree deck access with protected helm and overnight capacity. 120 sq ft cockpit with rod holder configurations for serious bluewater fishing.
- 55' Flybridge Walkaround Larger 55-foot walkaround sportfishing boat with flybridge configuration, providing enhanced interior volume while maintaining fishability for owner-led use.
- Release Yacht Sales Brokerage Company-operated yacht brokerage listing pre-owned and brokered vessels, including Release Boatworks models and other sportfishing brands such as Viking and Invincible. Revenue from brokered transaction fees on yacht sales.
- Certified Service Center Network Network of seven certified service centers providing authorized service, maintenance, and haul-out support for Release Boatworks vessels along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
- Gamefisherman Brand (Acquired) Acquired Florida-based custom sportfish brand offering custom sportfishing boats from entry-level charter vessels through the Gold Series of high-end fully custom vessels, sharing naval architect Erwin Gerards with Release Boatworks.
Quantifiable outcome
- 34-knot cruise speed on 46' Gameboat with twin MAN i6-850 diesels; near-40-knot top end
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Release Boatworks
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Release Boatworks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Release Boatworks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- GamefishermancoreRelease Boatworks acquired Gamefisherman, a Florida-based custom sportfish manufacturer. Gamefisherman will offer a line from entry-level charter vessels to Gold Series high-end fully custom vessels. Both brands share naval architect Erwin Gerards. The acquisition brings decades of Gamefisherman's heritage and craftsmanship into the Release Boatworks portfolio, enabling shorter construction times and more cost-effective options through Release's semi-custom approach.
- RMS Marine ServicescoreCertified service center for Release Boatworks located in Stuart, FL. Provides service, maintenance, and support for Release boats operating in the Florida market.
- Jarrett Bay BoatworkscoreCertified service center in Beaufort, NC. Authorized to perform service, repairs, and maintenance on Release Boatworks vessels.
- Ocean PerformancecoreCertified service center in Old Saybrook, CT. Authorized service provider for Release Boatworks vessels in the Northeast.
- All Marine Center of Atlantic CitycoreCertified service center in Atlantic City, NJ. Authorized to service Release Boatworks vessels in the New Jersey market.
- Millway MarinacoreCertified service center in Barnstable Harbor, MA. Authorized to perform service and maintenance on Release Boatworks vessels in the Massachusetts/New England market.
- Saunders YachtworkscoreCertified service center serving Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL. Authorized service provider for Release Boatworks vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Ross MarinecoreCertified service center in Johns Island, SC. Authorized to service and maintain Release Boatworks vessels in the South Carolina market.
- North American Composites (NAC)coreIndustry partner in advanced composites. NAC provides specifications for all build materials and trains Release boatbuilders on integrating composite materials into the manufacturing process, while also monitoring builds for quality control.
- Erwin Gerards (EG Yacht Designs)coreNaval architect of record for Release Boatworks. Designs all hulls and oversees structural engineering. Also serves Gamefisherman, making him the shared design authority behind both brands — the technical foundation of the acquisition relationship.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Release Boatworks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Viking Yachts: New Jersey-based builder of semi-custom and convertible sportfishing yachts in overlapping 40'-90' sizes; Release Brokerage actively lists Viking pre-owned boats, indicating direct competition for the same HNW sportfishing customer in the same geography.
- Paul Mann Custom Boats: North Carolina-based custom sportfish builder with a similar low-volume, high-craftsmanship, owner-direct model targeting the same tournament and high-end bluewater fishing customer.
- Jarrett Bay Boatworks: North Carolina custom sportfish builder serving the same tournament and HNW owner segment; also happens to be one of Release's seven certified service centers, putting the two in a hybrid competitor/service-partner relationship.
- Spencer Yachts: North Carolina custom sportfishing boat builder focused on tournament-grade hulls in the 40'-80' range, with comparable hand-built craftsmanship and pricing tiers for the same serious-offshore-angler buyer.
- Invincible Boats: Florida semi-custom sportfishing boat builder in overlapping 32'-46' center console and catamaran sizes; Release Brokerage lists Invincible pre-owned boats, evidencing direct competition for the same step-up sportfishing buyer.
- Rybovich: Florida-based luxury sportfish builder and refit yard serving the ultra-premium end of the sportfishing market; a comparable benchmark for the fully-custom, high-touch end of the customer spectrum that Gamefisherman Gold Series now addresses.
- Merritt Boatworks: Florida custom sportfish builder with a heritage comparable to Gamefisherman's, competing directly for the same HNW owner seeking fully custom 40'-80' hulls with tournament-ready cockpits.
- Yellowfin Yachts: Florida-based semi-custom sportfishing boat builder offering hybrid, center console, and bay boats in similar price tiers; competes with Release for the serious offshore angler stepping up from a center console.
Broad incumbents
- Hatteras Yachts: Long-established American sportfish and motor yacht builder with a much larger production footprint and broader product line, competing with Release in the 40'-60' convertible sportfish segment while also serving the broader luxury yacht market.
- Bertram Yachts: Iconic American sportfish brand with a broader production model and historical 30'-60' convertible lineup; a recognized incumbent competing for the same offshore sportfishing buyer, albeit with a more standardized offering.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Release Boatworks social profiles
Digital presenceRelease Boatworks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Release Boatworks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Release Boatworks subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Release Boatworks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Release Boatworks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Release Boatworks
What does Release Boatworks do?
Release Boatworks designs and builds semi-custom and custom sportfishing boats ranging from 43 to 66 feet, using vacuum-infused composite construction with vinylester resins and Airex foam cores. The company starts approximately one new hull per month with 8-9 month delivery timelines, sells directly to owners through its factory, and operates a brokerage (Release Yacht Sales) for new and pre-owned vessels. In October 2025 it acquired the Gamefisherman brand, adding a portfolio from entry-level charter vessels to fully custom Gold Series yachts.
Is Release Boatworks a public or private company?
Release Boatworks is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Release Boatworks founded?
Release Boatworks was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Release Boatworks based?
Release Boatworks is headquartered in Egg Harbor Township, United States, in the North America region.
How does Release Boatworks make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Custom/Semi-Custom Sportfishing Boat Sales are the primary driver. The others are release Yacht Sales Brokerage and charter Partnership Referrals.
Who are Release Boatworks's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Viking Yachts, Paul Mann Custom Boats, Jarrett Bay Boatworks, Spencer Yachts, Invincible Boats, Rybovich, Merritt Boatworks and Yellowfin Yachts. Broad incumbents are Hatteras Yachts and Bertram Yachts.
Does Release Boatworks have an API?
No public API is recorded for Release Boatworks.
What industry is Release Boatworks in?
Release Boatworks's product category is Custom Sportfishing Yachts. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAEAM, Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAJAEAH, Recreational Fishing & Sportfishing Boat Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 3366 and its SIC code is 3730.